Users’ and Providers’ Perceptions about Integrated Health Care in Southern Denmark

Health care systems are increasingly complex, and evidence shows poor coordination of care within and between providers, as well as at the interface between different levels of care. The purpose of this study is to explore users’ and providers’ (stakeholders’) perspectives of integrated care in Denmark. We conducted qualitative interviews with 19 providers and 18 users that were analysed through inductive content analysis. Providers’ and stakeholders’ perceived deficits in system-level factors, lack of organizational culture, weaknesses in communication, a need for a shift towards considering equity in access to health services and focus on person-centeredness. Fundamental changes suggested by participants were better sharing of information and knowledge, focus on stronger trust building, efforts in making communication more effective, and changes in incentive structure. Users perceived poor navigation in the health care system, frustration when they experienced that the services were not based on their needs and lack of support for improving their health literacy. The study showed health care weaknesses in improving user involvement in decision-making, enhancing the user–provider relationship, coordination, and access to services. Public health within integrated care requires policies and management practices that promote system awareness, relationship-building and information-sharing and provides incentive structures that support integration.